Oxygen Tank Safety and Patient Care at Home
We help identify and educate families about the risks of using highly combustible Oxygen tanks at home, including storage and usage.
Oxygen Tanks are one of the most severe patient safety risks. If a client requires oxygen therapy, we perform detailed home-safety oxygen risk assessments and provide essential education materials for families to follow. We also require that a "No Smoking – Oxygen in Use" sign is posted on the client's door or in their environment to help prevent oxygen-related fires and explosions and keep our clients, their families, and our employees safe.
It is imperative to understand that oxygen can be dangerous if not used correctly. Following these safety guidelines will help reduce potential risks:
- Post the Oxygen in Use sign that comes in your oxygen kit where visitors can see it.
- Keep your oxygen tanks away from all heat sources, including radiators, heat ducts, stoves, fireplaces, matches, and lighters.
- Do not permit open flames, sparks, or burning tobacco in the room where oxygen is used.
- Use only as prescribed by your physician.
- While using oxygen, do NOT use: – Aerosols such as hair spray or paint – Oil-based face creams or lotions on your nose or face – Petroleum-based products such as Vaseline.
- Keep the tank you are using in a stand or cart.
- Store extra tanks lying on their sides. Block them, so they do not roll around. If the valve post were to break off of a tank, it could cause considerable harm to anything in its path.
Please see the manufacturer's website for more information about your equipment and always ask your BrightStar Care Nurse for help. Your nurse partner also serves as a consultant. Their background and training mean they can provide services, resources, and education on in-home therapies that give you confidence your loved one is safe at home.
BrightStar Care of Salt Lake City is an award-winning, RN Led, Joint Commission accredited Home Health Care and Medical Staffing Agency providing 24/7 to hourly Private Duty Nurses, CNAs, Caregivers, and Companions.
We offer support around the clock, providing care in homes, hospitals, assisted living communities, skilled nursing facilities, and medical offices. We proudly serve Mountainside, Sandy, Draper, Midvale, Salt Lake City, Park City, South Salt Lake, Millcreek, Holladay, Ogden, Orem/Provo, and Murray in UT.
For more information on how BrightStar Care supports families and to learn more about our local team of caregivers and skilled healthcare professionals – please Click Here.